China's president says he appreciates President Trump's desire to resolve the North Korea issue politically.

President Xi Jinping says he hopes all sides can show goodwill.

He also says he hopes both countries will avoid doing anything that may affect or interfere with the improving situation on the Korean peninsula.

Published 10:22 AM ET Fri, 9 March 2018
Reuters

Carlos Barria | Reuters

President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping chat as they walk along the front patio of the Mar-a-Lago estate after a bilateral meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., April 7, 2017.

Chinese President Xi Jinping told U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday that he appreciates his desire to resolve the North Korea issue politically, state media said.

Speaking by telephone, Xi told Trump that he hopes all sides can show goodwill and avoid doing anything that may affect or interfere with the improving situation on the Korean peninsula, the report added